About

Teaching. Training. Reaching.

About Us

It is our vision that the students who complete the Nicolet Bible Institute program will leave with a solid Biblical foundation, a passion to serve others, and an appetite to evangelize their world. We need Christians in all walks of life who know God, know His Word, and are committed to serving our King in the local church.

The Nicolet Bible Institute is not for everyone, but it is an important option for those who choose to serve our King in a secular or ministry setting. Students have come to us from all over the United States and inquiries have come from all over the world. Some students intend to continue their ministry education, some have already graduated from college, and some are planning to head right into a secular work-world ministry.

Wherever you will end up, we invite you to consider the opportunities that Nicolet Bible Institute is offering to you. We look forward to serving you, your family, and our God, as He continues to give us the opportunity.

Get in touch

Got questions about what Nicolet Bible Institute? Want to get more information? Would you like to schedule a tour? We would love to hear from you!

History

Nicolet Bible Institute, once called Pathfinders, began in 1981 with the dream to provide a year-long training program for high-school graduates. Its purpose was threefold: to provide students a quality Biblical foundation, to model servanthood to the students, and to help students find God’s direction for their lives.

In 1991, the Pathfinder program began to build upon its educational credibility, and became known as Northwoods Christian Camping Institute. During this time Northwoods Christian Camping Institute focused on developing its structure and acquiring additional faculty. In 1999, after years of progressively enriching the program while maintaining its original goal and mission, Northwoods Christian Camping Institute became Nicolet Bible Institute. Today, Nicolet Bible Institute’s program is founded on a well-defined Bible and service training curriculum, the instructors have Masters or Doctorate degrees, and Nicolet Bible Institute maintains credit transfer agreements with several four-year colleges. Coupled with the beautiful northwoods campus, a year at NBI is a truly unique educational experience.

Staff

Professor

Dr. Rich H. Hess

Dr. Rich Hess currently has over 20 years of teaching experience at Nicolet Bible Institute coupled with years of Christian service in youth ministry at Silver Birch Ranch. After having received preparation at New Tribes Missionary Training Center (1980) and New Tribes Mission Language School (1981) he served as a linguist in the Macu tribe in Colombia, South America for nearly a decade prior to coming to NBI. Other schooling experience includes a B.S. degree in biology from Ursinus College, PA (1970-74) and a D.C. degree from National College of Chiropractic (1974-77). He is married to Margie and they have two children - Joshua and Jaci.

Education

Activities & Affiliations

Served as a linguist in the Macu tribe in Colombia, South America

Professor

Dr. Steven H. Sanford

Dr. Steve Sanford currently has over 25 years of teaching experience at Nicolet Bible Institute. Prior to coming to NBI, he served as a Youth and Associate Pastor at Powderhorn Park Baptist Church in Minneapolis for seven years. His educational background includes a B.S degree from the University of Minnesota (1980), Master of Divinity degree from Bethel Seminary (1985) and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Bethel Seminary (2003). He is married to Becky and they have three adult children and six grandchildren.

Education

Activities & Affiliations

Served for over 30 years in camping, youth, and pastoral ministry

Professor

Dave A. Wager

Dave has been actively serving our nations’ youth since 1970 and thoroughly enjoys making the truths of God’s word simple and applicable. He is a husband (35+ years) father, friend and teacher to the thousands who frequent the grounds of Silver Birch Ranch (silverbirchranch.org) and listen to him via podcast and radio. He claims to not to be very smart, but very experienced and loves to share his experiences with those he is privileged to teach.